Eala confirms participation in Philippine Women’s Open

Sports

YOUTHFUL tennis star Alex Eala is eager to play in front of her countrymen.

The 20-year-old Eala confirmed that she will be participating in the Philippine Women’s Open, which will start on Jan. 26 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.

"Yes, I will be playing next week. I'm looking forward to it and I hope people can show up and support the Pinays," Eala said in a statement posted on the Philippine Women’s Open Facebook page.

The confirmation was made when Eala arrived home on Wedneday night, Jan. 21, after competing in the Australian Open.

The week-long Philippine Women’s Open is the first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)-125 event that will be held in the country.

Eala, who will compete in the singles and doubles events, said it has been her dream to compete on Philippine soil.

"It's a huge milestone in Philippine tennis, and I think it's a big deal for all of us Filipina tennis players," Eala added. “I think it’s a huge step for tennis in the Philippines and women’s tennis, especially. I know some friends who are going to play there, so I’m happy that it’s going to bring a lot of inspiration and a lot of motivation for the girls back home.”

Eala is looking to bounce back from an unproductive campaign in the Australian Open, where she was eliminated in the opening rounds of the singles and doubles events.

Eala is currently ranked No. 49 in the world–a career-high. She is expected to move up higher in the rankings as she sits at No. 44 in the WTA live rankings.(CCM)